Gigabyte PoweRock GE-N500A-C2 500W compatibility review

The Gigabyte PoweRock GE-N500A-C2 500W power supply has a maximum wattage output of 500W. This is a mid-range capacity, and should be fine as long as it is part of an equally mid-range system build. Always make sure that a purchased PSU is capable of powering your system. Remember that a higher PSU capacity does not necessarily equate to a higher wattage output and a more expensive electricity bill. In fact, you may find that a higher capacity PSU will function more efficiently than a lower capacity PSU because it is dealing with a lower percentage of its maximum load - that is, it is not being stressed to the same extent.

The Gigabyte PoweRock GE-N500A-C2 500W has an 80 Plus rating of Standard. This means the PSU operates at average efficiency levels of at least 80% for loads of 100%, 50%, and 20%. Standard is the lowest 80 Plus certificate available, but with 80% load efficiency minimums, the Gigabyte PoweRock GE-N500A-C2 500W is still reliably efficient and is by no means a bad PSU choice. The actual efficiencies for this PSU are 80.21%, 84.31%, and 83.08%, for loads of 100%, 50%, and 20%.

The dimensions of the Gigabyte PoweRock GE-N500A-C2 500W (LxWxH) are 14cm x 15cm x 8.6cm. Make sure to compare these measurements against the case you desire if planning on using it in a build.

The Gigabyte PoweRock GE-N500A-C2 500Wis not modular, meaning that cables are built into the PSU itself and cannot be taken out and connected back in as necessary. This can result in difficult cable management and consequently a messy build and poor airflow.

The Gigabyte PoweRock GE-N500A-C2 500Wis not designed for low volumes, meaning that its constant drone while your PC is on could potentially be noticeable and irritating, though this may only be a problem for those that require silent environments.